Los Alamitos McAuliffe Middle School Growing Strong, Volunteers Celebrated

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — All grade levels at McAuliffe Middle School scored higher in state math and English Language Arts tests this year than in the previous year, Principal Ann Allen told the Los Alamitos Unified School District board at its regular meeting Tuesday.

As part of her annual report to the board on school progress, Allen spelled out the following levels of students meeting or exceeding state standards:

• 6th grade English language arts (ELA): 79 percent, up four percentage points
• 6th grade math: 74 percent, up eight points
• 7th grade ELA: 81 percent, up six points
• 7th grade math: 72 percent, up 12 points
• 8th grade ELA: 82 percent, up one point
• 8th grade math: 72 percent, up three points

“Of course, we want all of our students to meet or exceed standards, but I think we are on the path, and I’m thrilled to be there,” Allen said. She attributed the growth not only to rigorous classroom instruction but to a wide range of intervention strategies the school is pursuing, such as co-teachers (one general education, one special education) in some classrooms, math intervention programs in grades 6-8 and redesigned summer school “bridge” classes.

Allen also described campus-wide modernization efforts including a redesigned outdoor amphitheater, newly painted lockers and landscaping. “The whole campus is beautiful. It just looks stunning,” Allen said. Allen also told the board about security improvements at the campus including window film, restricted access points, and two campus security supervisors.

After her report, Allen introduced three McAuliffe eighth-graders who spoke about their experience at the school. Mary Andrews told the board that, despite having serious health issues, she has succeeded at McAuliffe. “The teachers were always kind and caring toward me. I learned never to give up even when things are rough and it seems impossible,” Andrews said. Ben Saunders said that when he started middle school he struggled in reading, but through the intervention efforts of teachers he has built his skills to the point that this year is moving smoothly. “Everyone starts at the bottom and has to work to move up. I did that at McAuliffe, and I know I can do it again (in high school),” he said. Desiree Sturrock said music helped her thrive in her years at McAuliffe. Starting with the cello and then adding the bass, Desiree has played in both the orchestra and jazz band. She considers herself fortunate “to be part of such and amazing program and work with such great people. Being involved in something you truly love is what makes school great.”

Principal Allen also presented to the board this year’s McAuliffe Hero of the Heart.

Dave Locke, a McAuliffe parent volunteer, helps organize a wide range of student activities including dances, student socials, back-to-school night events, “anything we ask of him,” Allen said.

Locke is “always the last guy at the field or at the carnival. He always positively encourages others to pitch in.”

By Robert Ostmann, Los Alamitos Unified School District

Photo of Desiree Sturrock, McAuliffe Middle School eighth-grader, addressing the Los Alamitos Unified school board, Courtesy of Los Alamitos Unified School District